Phizzog (means "this face" ) - photo by Lily Strickler; cocreated by CD Good and Cheryl IvesIt is called a "phizzog" and it is composed of beeswax and all sorts of paraphernalia – hidden inside and seen outside. The phizzog embodies the spirit of enchantment and delight – the wildness, yet the sweetness – the altered state and the powerful whimsy – all that we wanted to infuse into the hearts and minds of the people coming to celebrate with us at Our Greenbelt.

There was a wildness to the party. I think winter’s exit is long overdue, and people were itching to howl.

Photo by Lily Strickler

Guests started arriving as we finished last-minute preparations. Of course, running behind schedule, prepping food while pouring drinks and greeting friends is par for the course when you are busy socializing and running a big party.

Photo by Deborah MacAusland

The art of CD Good and friends framed the event space with ethereal art, helped along by the ambient music of Evan Pointner.

The musical performances by Justin Lacroix and The Blurry Pickers turned the house party into a house concert, and we are feeling so blessed to have shared it with so many friends, colleagues and extended community family members. We even got to hear A\J editor, Leah Gerber, join Justin and the Blurry Pickers for a special rendition of Woody Guthrie’s “Hoping Machine.”

The mood was positive. The perspectives shared were respectful and collaborative. Everyone in the room agrees on the importance of expanding our protection of natural, priceless spaces, including the expansion of the Greenbelt into Waterloo Region. The points of contention are there, but they are truly few if measured by the sense of community that emanated from the Co-Working Space at 283 Duke Street West.

Our community is wild about nature, rivers, land and people. We’re wild about art and music. We are a bunch of like-minded good souls who love a good party and a great cause. So here's to Our Greenbelt!